The 12 Blessings of Pneumonia

This has been an unusual Christmas break for our family.  

Since our kids began school several years ago, I always look forward to Christmas break to have them home - to enjoy long mornings in pj's. . . reading, playing games, baking, museums. . . so much fun to be had when there is no schedule. 

However, I came down with a fever the first night of Christmas break (Friday) and today am on my third day of antibiotics for pneumonia.  The first days I couldn't even get out of bed - pounding headache, severe aching all over my body, fatigue, chills, etc.  It then progressed into a cough that made my chest and lungs tender with pain.  As my fever faded, the coughing took over and the medicine began.  As you can imagine, this wasn't the fun-filled Christmas break I was planning on. 

However, I've been encouraged by Ann Voskamp (her book A Thousand Gifts and her blog), to see that God's grace abounds in our lives.  Every day is a gift and in my weakness, I saw His grace and blessings abound. 

The 12 Blessings

1.  A home.  A place of solice that's warm with a soft bed and warm quilts.

2.  Access to medicine and medical care to be diagnosed and nursed back to health.

3.  Seeing my kids get lost in book after book during many quiet hours at home.

4.  Observing the tender care of my daughter - when I first emerged from our bedroom with an empty cup, she quickly walked toward me, took my glass and filled it with water for me.  Sweetness.

5.  A generous mother-in-law who called regularly to check on us and made a meal for the rest of my family since I wasn't up to cooking.  

6.  A care basket made by great friends/neighbors filled with all good things for sickness: chicken noodle soup, cough drops, fresh fruit, tea and a bright poinsetta.  Totally brightened my day.

7.  Listening to my children play Christmas songs on the piano together.  Silent night by a 7 and 9 year old as I lay on the couch, Christmas tree lit: sweet bliss.

8.  Phone call from my mom checking on me and offering to finish any Christmas shopping I may have needed.    Thankful. . . so helpful.

9.  A dear friend texting to check on me and offering to take my kids so I could rest. . . and one day texting me about an awful fashion trend that she saw in public and wanted to declare she is in fierce opposition to.  Smiles.

10.  My pastor texting me to tell me he had just been praying for me.  Pastor who knows and cares for me = new concept.  Grateful.

11.  Endless hugs, cuddles and generosity of my kids as exhaustion took over my body.  (cleaning, taking care of dog, getting things for me, wrapping presents.... the list goes on).

12.  An incredibly amazing husband.  He's taken care of everything while I've been down and out and all with a smile . . . and making me laugh in the process.  Always so thankful that God matched me with Ryan  :)

So as I continue to slowly recover this holiday season, I wish you a Merry Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus and the peace that He brings.  

God is good.